Section: Main Well

On Saturday, the offensively challenged 49ers scored their most points since October 2013, had a franchise-record 355 rushing yards and were even assisted by a defensive touchdown. And they still lost. …

In a bit of a surprise, guard Joe Looney is inactive for the first time this season. Looney, the lone remaining member of the seven-man 2012 draft class, earned an unfavorable review from offensive coordinator Greg Roman on Thursday after he started in place of rookie center Marcus Martin at Seattle. It was Looney’s first start at center since he was a freshman at Wake Forest in 2008. …

During Jim Harbaugh’s senior season at Michigan in 1986, he barely spoke to his position coach, Jerry Hanlon, for several weeks because Hanlon told the ultra-intense quarterback to stop criticizing his wide receivers. Twenty-eight years later, Harbaugh and Hanlon have long since repaired what is now a close relationship, but the former Wolverines assistant knows all about Harbaugh’s challenging personality. …

“If they want to bring me back, they will,” Gore said. “They’ll come to me in a respectful way. We’ll sit down, see what they want me to do. See what my role is and if I like it, I’ll sign. If I don’t, I’ll try to see what other teams think of me.” …

Of course, few expect Harbaugh to be coaching the 49ers in 2015. Consider: He may give the same answer when asked about another coaching job, but his answer has changed when asked about his current job. …